Great Budworth, Arley & Pickmere
8.5/9 Mile Circular Walking/Running Route

Stunning Route today we’re starting from the picture postcard Cheshire Village of Great Budworth which is located near Northwich. You may recognise the village as the recent BBC adaptation of War of the Worlds was filmed here as was Hinge & Bracket in the early 1980’s. Another reason for starting here is of course the George and Dragon Pub on the High street near Great Budworth church which would make a fitting places to refuel after your walk / run. We head out across the fields from Great Budworth to Arley and loop through the Arley Hall estate before heading down to Pickmere and back to Great Budworth. I’ve included 2 route maps on my website, one going past Pickmere Lake (9 miles) and another avoiding the lake which currently has a closed footpath (8.5 miles).

The Route

Starting from the High street in Great Budworth we head up the bank past the George and Dragon and church then turn left into Smithy lane and take the path over the fields to Belmont road. Cross the road and head down Quebec road, at the end turn left into Knutsford road. Take the path on the right over the fields to Hollins Lane then turn right on Hollins Lane and take the path on your right at the bend which comes out at Arley close to Arley Hall and Gardens. Turn right and immediately left over the field to Back lane which skirts the top of the Arley estate. This brings you to Arley green, head down the dip past the pond and then take the path on your right at the bend. Follow the path over the fields and into the wood, turn left to Stonegate lane. At the end turn right then left into Colliers lane, follow this all the way to Frog lane. At Frog lane turn right through to Park lane at Pickmere. At this point our route splits.

To avoid the closed path at Pickmere lake turn right down Park lane then take the first turn on your left into Hield lane then take the path on your right.

Or once the path reopens:

Turn left into Park lane, then right into Mere Lane and right into Pickmere lake and follow the oath around the left side of the mere then straight on to Hield lane where you turn right then take the path which is on your left.

We complete our route by following the path back to the Avenue in Great Budworth where we turn left passing the church to the George and Dragon.